Mayor leads Armed Forces Day celebrations with flag ceremony

The service was held at 10am on Monday, June 19, with service personnel including cadets, serving military members, veterans and members of the public attending the Armed Forces Day this year.

The event was organised by Basingstoke and Deane Borough Council, in partnership with Basingstoke and Overton Royal British Legion. Armed Forces Day takes place on the last Saturday of each June.

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The Armed Forces Day Flag was raised by a cadet from 443 (Basingstoke Squadron), which was followed by a Drumhead service by Old Basing Corps of Drums with their new military side drums, which were blessed during the service. Eight members of the Corps of Drums took part on the day. 

Originating in the 1700s, a Drumhead service is a traditional Army service, representing a number of different Christian Churches, held in the field in which the Regimental drums are placed on top of each other to form an altar.

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Assistant Drum Major and recruitment coordinator for the Old Basing Corps of Drums, Paul Graham, said: "I'm really proud of us, and myself and Bill Prendergast MBE for arranging to come here and play. It took a lot of effort and hard work, but looking back now we can truly say it was worth it.

"It took months of practising to get it all right, but it sounded fantastic, and we are really pleased and excited to have our new drums. They looked excellent and fit in perfectly with the flag-raising ceremony."

Bill Prendergast MBE left, Paul Graham right (Image: Mark Paine, Canva)